Lockdown 765

Lockdown Day 765-30 April 2022

Move number 1. Day 1.

The day started as 05:30. We hit the ground running to continue prepping what had to be moved.

Three strong men arrived to help the men with the heavy lifting. A hired trailer was attached to my car and the loading commenced.

We knew we would make on the spot decisions about storage items which resulted in me clearing out cabinets, and other useful pieces as we went along. In the end we managed to move almost everything that needed to go to the townhouse as well as our new storage space in one half of the townhouse garage.

We all took an afternoon siesta after sweeping out the garage and vacuuming our place, putting what's left in their places so we can continue living here until the little things have been sorted out.

Later, sitting on the stoep, speaking to the dark clouds gathering, I decide to stand up in the spirit and authority given to me as a child of God  to take all the rain to the Kouga dam, in Jesus' Name.

Tomorrow we continue with organising the townhouse.

#thankyouGod

#Ggt

Lockdown 764

Lockdown Day 764-29 April 2022

So before the great packing expedition starts, I decided to meet up with friends from school I haven't seen in many years.

And what a wonderful time we spent catching up and filling in all the blanks. We reminisced about our days in the school's swimming team, talked about our spouses and life in general.

The reat of the day was spent between picking up packaging supplies, measuring and hanging curtains for the townhouse and prepping all the furniture that has to be moved tomorrow.

Dinner at Charline's was pizzas from Holy Dough and wonderful happy chatter with some good wine and champers.

So tonight I celebrate life in all it's multifaceted splendour, and love in all its imperfected greatness. Because God is Lord of us all. And because He most definitely has got this.

Lockdown 763

Lockdown Day 763-28 April 2022

Today I spent doing some errands and sorting out of furniture to go to the townhouse. We took a long walk early, and then Lukas and I went swimming in the estate pool. It was cold but not freezing.

I brought my swimming gear along to keep fit for ocean swimming. I decided to swim whenever I can, and managed 46 lengths of 25m, with breaks inbetween. Lukas did a fabulous 10 lengths for the first time, wow!

Pretoria was overcast most of the day, with the sun breaking through sporadically. My head was spinning with all that needs to be done. With Mari Kondo's decluttering advice ringing in my ears, I sat down to write down a task plan to guide me through this.

As I retire, I receive a picture of the Bay and remind myself of the end goal. And in the still of the night I hear a voice in my heart reminding me how great the One who resides in me through His Spirit, really is. And yes, He's definitely got this.

Lockdown 762

Lockdown Day 762-27 April 2022

Bloem woke us with a 3°C temperature and I was reminded of how I loved the cold crispy Free State mornings. Walking the dog brought back wonderful memories of our time in Bloem. This is where I started this Lockdown diary and Bloem was our first place we had to brave the pandemic.

We talked and laughed about how silly all the dressing up and stripping down exercises were before and after a shopping venture and how some places we drove past brought back memories of teams dressed in white gear ready to spray down someone's offices.

While hubby finished off two meetings I took the pooch for an outing to Coffeetalks Café with Natasha. What a wonderful start to Freedom day.

We left for Pretoria late morning, loving the less than busy drive on the N1.

Our coffee stop was at the Kroonvaal Engen Wimpy. As a coffee snob, I find the cappucino (that comes with their Wimpy cookie) on the menu quite amicable. That is, until today. That cappucino was easily the worst coffee I have ever tasted. I really tried to block out the taste and focus on the warm part, but in the end aborted the mission.

Safely in Pretoria, it warmed my heart to see Lukas and the house I am about to pack up looked pretty and inviting. Lukas made us some scrumptious salted chicken on the fire with delicious veg on the side.

As I lie in bed, listening to the almost forgotten familiar night sounds, I thank God for His healing power in all our lives. For His undeserved love toward us. And for always standing by us no matter what. Like I said yesterday, He is the best in the business. Because He's got this.

Lockdown 761

Lockdown Day 761-26 April 2022

We have always known the day would come when our temporary move to PE will either end or become more permanent. And so it did. It became more permanent.

And just like that the next triple move was in the making. Logistics, planning and many conversations later, we left PE for Pretoria to help move junior into his new digs and finally get all our things in one space back in PE.

So tonight we sleep over in Bloem after a long day's drive and work, and as the quiet and familiar cold winter's night settles in, I hear the gentle breathing of the pooch snugly curled up in her favourite doggy bed and hubby next to me.

In this moment I decide that moving is actually a wonderful thing. Not only does it bring a family into one space to do something together, it is time spent to gather ourselves and be reminded of what is really important in life.

As always, God is true to His Word and shows us the path we should go on. It is a human trait to want to stay in one place and grow roots. To move causes us to stay out of that mould and in God's grace. And to look up and trust in His GPS skills. Because He's the best in the business. And because He's got this.

Lockdown 760

Lockdown Day 760-25 April 2022

Looking after our environment and conserving resources comes very close to home when you have an empty dam. Warnings were issued by our municipality about the state of water affairs in the province and a looming 'day zero'.

Although the city itself received about 30mm the past weekend, the Langkloof did not, leaving the Kouga dam now at approximately 13.4% which means we have 46 days of supply left. A flood needs to happen.

While Gauteng is yet again wearing gumboots and Kwazulu Natal still picking up the pieces, the Eastern Cape is past worrying about flood damage, openly praying and talking about the rains God is going to send to the Kouga dam.

Finding the faith to stand the test of time proves to be difficult, especially when faced with the reality at hand.

So tonight I urge you to pray with us and believe with us for forgiveness of the sins of the people and a Kouga💯 miracle.

Because God's got this.

Lockdown 759

Lockdown Day 759-24 April 2022

Still on the ocean topic, after seeing the sad stuff of mankind interfering with ocean life, I thought to share with you a close encounter of the ocean kind.

A paddle boarder sits tight when approached by a Southern Right Whale, and how the whale wants to play..... ever so gently. Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/RJ05kRbrYmE

#Ggt

Lockdown 758

Lockdown Day 758-23 April 2022

To celebrate Earth Day (yesterday) and raise awareness for lesser known causes, the Ocean Tribe handed over a cheque of more than R7000 to SANCCOB, the South African National Conservation of COastal Birds. 

We met the people from WESSA (Wildlife Environment Society of SA) and SST (Sustainable Seas Trust) who shared their current projects and focus, including the crisis of all the baby penguin orphans and the hardships of caring for them full time.

Thanks to Adventure Swims for organising the event and Coca Cola who sponsored the drinks. 

A beach cleanup followed the proceedings where everyone received two bags, one for recycling and one for trash, and gloves. It had been raining all morning and lifted slightly as we reached the beach.

Although we were dressed warmly, the rain pelted down from about 10 minutes in, which saw us returning after just more than an hour, completely soaked.

It felt so good to make a tangible difference, especially after hearing the shocking number of bits of plastic entering our ocean daily. If you are interested, just search plastic statistics of the ocean 2022 in your browser, or better yet, join your local conservation organisations and get busy!

We came home to warm up and saw our rain gauge had measured 24mm! What a joy. Although the dam level remains unchanged, our hope and faith is strong in the Lord for extreme rain in the catchment. How I wish we could transport a dam full of water from the recent KwaZulu Natal floods to our dam!

So tonight I am thankful for each tiny piece of plastic , nylon and polystyrene I found that will not endanger the life of ocean plants and creatures.

And I offer up a prayer for the dwindling number of breeding penguin pairs and all the little orphaned birds in desperate need of care.

#Ggt

Lockdown 757

Lockdown Day 757-22 April 2022

Friday. Anique is in town and we had a scrumptious French Toast at Remo's Italian, while the rain slowly drizzled outside. Baakens Valley felt cosmopolitan with the MSC Orchestra moored at the harbour, visible all the way into the valley.

We also visited a very chic and glam shop selling upmarket previously worn designer labels, with an impressive range of winter jackets.

My afternoon was spent defrosting our little freezing compartment and camping freezer that had both accumulated a ton of ice.

All that while I kept musing about the lemons from yesterday I haven't used yet.

I did some research and came across a fascinating paper about God's use for lemons.

Lemons have a distinctive fragrance that is now proved by the Center for Autoimmune Diseases in Tel Aviv, Israel to directly affect the neurotransmitters that boost mental health.

In Japan, research showed significant lower levels of stress, fear and anxiety in patients who inhaled the fragrance of citrus based essential oils, in particular lemon or yuzu. It also had a healing effect in patients with autoimmune diseases.

Everything God made, was made for a purpose. So it stands to reason these two lemons were sent into my world to teach me something about my faith and relationship with God. And just like the feathers, they confirm that God's got this.

Lockdown 756

Lockdown Day 756-21 April 2022

So today I decided a swim to the six pack is on. The Bay was a mirror of glossy water with a gentle swell.

On the way back I stopped halfway to take in the ocean and cityscapes. A large white curled feather drifted by, and in the quiet I felt surrounded by the goodness of God.

Just as I put foot on the sand, walking out of the surf onto the beach, two perfect bright yellow lemons were lying there, just on the edge of the water. I looked around, and no one was even close, suggesting these lemons were carried there by the ocean. They were ice cold to the touch, confirming my suspicions. So I took them with me.

Those who know me well, know I love lemons and lemon juice, and drink the juice of one lemon  in a glass of water every morning.

On my way back home I suddenly knew God knows me best and He had definitely made sure the feather and lemons had to cross my way today.

Although I am still waiting for the answer and how it fits into my O2 year, I know for sure it does and carries a message. Sometimes the message doesn't show up immediately, but it does come eventually.

So tonight, as the wind plucks at the window, I think about our life that is busy changing again (more about that next week). For now, the forecast of rain is looking good and the hope and faith for a 100% full Kouga dam is still strong. Indeed, God's most certainly got this.

Lockdown 755

Lockdown Day 755-20 April 2022

Today I experienced a wonderful moment in time. I was on my way to pick up some groceries when I walked past my local Seattle coffee stop.

I have noticed the past couple of weeks the baristas have been rotating frequently. And today was no different, so as per usual, I asked their names. Nkosinathi was the man behind the machine and Vuvu at the pay point.

When He said his name, Nkosi added, "like in Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika" and started singing the first part of the National Anthem, ending with the traditional Zulu ending.

I joined in and sang with them, finishing with, "woza moya (come Holy Spirit)." And then they started the last part of the anthem where the Afrikaans "uit die blou" followed by the English "sounds the call" ends with South Africa.

We sang in harmony, out loud, surprising newly arrived customers, having a ball while putting smiles on their faces. What a joy it was! We were equally surprised at all three of us being able to sing all the words in each other's language. And when I said goodbye, they blessed me in God's Name.

Tonight I lie in bed while loadshedding is happening all around, and I have hope in my heart for our people and our country. Those few minutes of sharing a multi-linguistic song, edified us all as I felt the presence of the Spirit move between us.

Yes, God has got this.

Lockdown 754

Lockdown Day 754-19 April 2022

On this special day I want to bless you with scripture from Psalm 19:7-11 & 14.

"YHWH ’s Word is perfect in every way; how it revives our souls! YHWH ’s laws lead us to truth, and His ways change the simple into wise.

YHWH ’s teachings are right and make us joyful; His precepts are so pure! YHWH's commands challenge us to keep close to His heart!

The revelation-light of His Word makes my spirit shine radiant. YHWH ’s decrees are trustworthy. The fear of YHWH is pure, enduring forever. The rarest treasures of life are found in His truth.

That’s why God’s Word is prized like others prize the finest gold. Sweeter also than honey are His living words—sweet words dripping from the honeycomb! For they warn us, your servants, and keep us from following the wicked way, giving a lifetime guarantee: great success to every obedient soul!

So may the words of my mouth, my meditation-thoughts, and every movement of my heart be always pure and pleasing, acceptable before Your eyes, YHWH , my only Redeemer, my Protector. "

As I watch the waning full moon say hello through my bathroom window, I pray this scripture will edify and strengthen us all. Happy birthday Mommy. 🤍

#Ggt

Lockdown 753

Lockdown Day 753-18 April 2022 

Communication is a two way street. Not only do you need to convey your story in such a way that it can be understood, you also need to be able to listen.

To listen first before you speak is probably a good idea. To some people it comes naturally, especially if you're an introvert or in human resources. For us extroverts it is a difficult learning curve. One I have found to be a massive challenge throughout my life.

To a certain extent I realise my calling and design needs me to be an extrovert talker. Especially in my work. But I have also seen and learned the consequences of not listening first.

This week I have received the most incredible video advert with the slogan, "when it comes to communication, anything is possible". So tonight I share this video with you because it says so much and really inspires.

https://youtu.be/fRNbj8Ab2CA

#Ggt

Lockdown 752

Lockdown Day 752-17 April 202

Easter Sunday. The third day after Good Friday. Jesus was resurrected from the dead. He is alive!! All the nervous people and sceptics who heard Him say He would rebuild the temple in three days, got to see something they did not believe in or thought it to be true.

He is the Truth, the Way and the Life. Acknowledging His death as well as His resurrection affords us an open door. Confessing our sins and faith in Him by believing this and taking it to heart, affords us salvation.

Salvation cannot be earned or deserved. The only price paid was the life and blood of Jesus. All we have to do is accept this gift without reservation and walk the path of sanctification.

It's not complicated. And yet, many people choose a life without Jesus. He, the sinless lamb who has never committed any sin, who laid down His life.

Never before has this world felt so temporary and fleeting. After a time such as this, one would think the One who brings eternal life is all that matters.

So tonight I proclaim the honour power and glory belongs to the Most High. God Almighty, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, our triune God and Creator of all!

#joytotheworld

#Ggt

Lockdown 751

Lockdown Day 751-16 April 202

Our Saturday kicked off with a bang as we prepared to drop the pooch and head to the Addo Elephant Park where our friends from PE, André and Riëtte, were waiting. As an Honorary Ranger, André took us to see a part of the park not many people get to see.

In a part where only Nyati's guests are allowed, we got to see the beautiful basin surrounded by lush green mountains and complete silence. Every chalet in this secluded lodge has its own splash pool on the deck and the rustic chic design and interior blends perfectly into the surrounding vegetation.

We saw so many elephants, a number of hartebeest and zebra as well as the most beautiful Kudu. There were rumours of Lions that had been spotted, but unfortunately we did not see them.

I had a tree hugging encounter with a tree next to the tent where our friends had made their camp. The tree looked like a Ficus of which the roots came out of the ground, winding back up the tree, making the most creative patterns.

We left the park to spend the evening with our Addo friends Neels and Juanita from De Old Drift Guest House, waiting with a fire on the go. As the cold night set in over the lemon orchards surrounding their house, we enjoyed dinner for a king before settling down for the night.

As I close my eyes I say a prayer of thanks for this second night Jesus was in the grave which we did not have to endure because He has bore it all for us all. And I hope to dream of the wonderful morning of the third day.

#Ggt

Lockdown 750

Lockdown Day 750-15 April 2022

Good Friday. And for the first time since 2019 we went to church again for a Good Friday service. Communion with other believers and the muchness of koinonia while remembering what Jesus did for us, really spoke to our hearts, edifying our spirits.

The day began wet after an all night an morning drizzle which only yielded 5 mm. We came home to a pulled lamb roast in the slow cooker, enjoying it with sweet potato and pumpkin mash and some green veggies.

So tonight I retire, thinking about the this night Jesus had actually died and how the world didn't know the real significance of what He had done. I wonder what people were thinking there in their own homes after darkness came. And I offer up a prayer for the unsaved who have heard of what Jesus did and still choose to walk their own path alone.

Thank you Jesus, from the depth of my heart and with every fibre of my being, for saving me.

#Ggt

Lockdown 749

Lockdown Day 749-14 April 2022

On the eve of Good Friday I would like to share another story. The Easter story is brilliantly depicted in a series of animated slides using different shapes, sizes and colours of stones:

https://youtu.be/pfNNYmOogRo

#Ggt 

Lockdown 748

Lockdown Day 748-13 April 2022

So this week is a rest week regarding ocean swimming. After picking up a serious case of chafing from my swimming attire, I decided to let it clear up first while the East Beast turned the ocean into a rocking chair.

I decided to use this time as a thinking time since the week ends in Easter weekend starting with Good Friday. Telling the story of Easter not only gives us the opportunity to share Jesus with others, it teaches us how to tell our own concerning Jesus.

This made me wonder about the ways a story can be told. After soliciting the help of Google and Youtube, I nearly drowned in the sea of ways available to tell your story, and found a world (literally) of ways to share Jesus' Salvation story as well, which I shall share in the next post before Good Friday.

Back to telling your story, I came across this wonderful short video that inspires. Enjoy:

https://youtu.be/0lq4UEoqAdc

#Ggt

Lockdown 747

Lockdown Day 747-12 April 2022

Today we spent the day praying on and off for two of my closest friends' children, one is an adult daughter and the other a grandson.

Mothers praying together for their children are really something to behold. It ignites a force to be reckoned with in the spiritual realm. I thought of an illustration I once saw of a fist punching the air and how the darkness just shifted as a result of it. That is what happens when Mothers agree in prayer.

So to all children, a word from this mother: I only now realise that apart from God upholding me with His righteous right hand, the prayers of my Mother is what held me out to God so I could stay there. And nothing a child can say to his/her mother can deter her to back off. Ever.

So if you wonder whether God loves you, just look at your Mom. And if you wonder if your Mom loves you, just look at God. Never ever think you're unloved or alone.

Your Mom sticks by you so you can see God behind it. And God sticks by you like a parent. That's why He is called "Our Father". And He loves you. He's got you. And He's got this.

Lockdown 746

Lockdown Day 746-11 April 2022

Today the East Beast turned the ocean into a whitewater spectacle only the brave would enter. Luckily, the sun provided great conditions for drying the weekend washing.

As the reports of big rain stream in from the Free State and Kwazulu Natal, the magnifying glass on the emptying Kouga keeps zooming in.

It is easy to become despondent and agitated when people say they are sick and tired of the rain, when the water is yellow and smelly when you step into the shower.

Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

I read about Angus Buchan who also prayed in Douglas for rain a couple of months ago. Last week they went there to give thanks for more than 700mm!!

Our faith is strengthened by the Word and also by the testimonies like that of Douglas. While Angus is not the one to thank, he made himself available to go and pray where God wanted him to go.

So tonight I offer up a prayer of repentance, supplication and praise in agreement with everyone praying for water in our area. A prayer of thanks for John 1:3, "All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made", proving He is worthy of our unbreakable faith in His omnipotence and love.

God's got this for sure.

Lockdown 745

Lockdown Day 745-10 April 2022

Tonight I share a series of photographs showcasing digital manipulation. Enjoy!

#Ggt